It is extremely difficult to write a letter of condolences to a friend one
doesn't know personally. Please allow me to consider you a personal friend,
because after all the help you have given me and to everyone else on the
FML, I can only think of you as such.
The phrase "chip off the old block" comes to mind. The block from which
this chip was hacked must have been from a very special tree.
I am truly sorry to hear of your father's death. Please extend my
condolences to all of your family.
Mike Smith
[Posted in FML issue 1123]